Industry Experience

Education

Nasson College, B.A.

University of Southern California, M.S.

Six Sigma Green Belt, Lockheed-Martin Corp.

US Army Command and General Staff College, Diploma

Communication Methods

In Person

“We knew we had an amazing product, but had found it difficult to turn it into true business, rather than a hobby,” Messier remembers. And the expenses required to transform an idea to a product left the pair with little to spend on consultants. “The fact that SCORE mentorship is offered at no cost is truly a blessing. We are so fortunate because we have had four mentors all come to offer their insight and valuable knowledge,” she says.

Messier attended online workshops about online reviews and growing blog subscriber lists, which prompted her to start following up with customers to ask them to write a review. The pair also worked with several mentors who each shared their expertise on a particular subject.

On the product side, mentor Tom Evans helped Extendher evaluate price points and made suggestions for a new price structure. “We have since changed it and are very happy with our decision,” Messier says. Mentor Ken Moore helped Extendher connect with local business journals, and Don Finney encouraged Messier and Frank to seek a wholesale specialist to work with big-box stores.